Molecular Patterns Recognized by Innate Immune Receptors

Here are examples of PAMPs/MAMPs associated with various types of human pathogens that can be detected by the immune system:

1. Bacteria:
   • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS): Found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria.
   • Peptidoglycan: A major component of bacterial cell walls, present in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
   • Flagellin: Protein component of bacterial flagella.
   • Unmethylated CpG DNA: Recognized as a PAMP when present at high frequencies in bacterial DNA.
2. Viruses:
   • Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA): A viral replication intermediate and a potent PAMP.
   • Single-stranded RNA (ssRNA): Viral genomes often contain ssRNA, which can be detected by the immune system.
   • CpG DNA Motifs: Certain DNA motifs in viral genomes, particularly those containing CpG dinucleotides, can act as PAMPs.
3. Fungi:
   • β-Glucans: Major components of fungal cell walls, recognized by immune cells as PAMPs.
   • Zymosan: A component of the cell wall of some fungi, particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae, acting as a PAMP.
   • Chitin: A polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fungi and exoskeletons of arthropods, recognized as a PAMP.
4. Parasites:
   • Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI): A component of the membranes of some parasites, recognized as a PAMP.
   • Parasite DNA/RNA: Nucleic acids from parasites can serve as PAMPs when detected by the immune system.
   • Parasite-Specific Proteins: Certain proteins produced by parasites can act as PAMPs.

Next Topic: Becoming a Danger to One’s Self

Source: ChatGPT response prompted and edited by Joel Graff.

• Immunology (Table of Contents for Entire Course – FREE!)
  • Other content for Unit 2: The Innate Immune System